36 hours in Edinburgh- ideas please

nutty1

VfM4meplse wrote: »

I'd love a weekend in Edinburgh, what has stopped me so far is the weather (freezing I magine ) and the cost of good quality hotel accomodation! You said the flights were pricey, does that mean you got a good rate one the hotel? If so I'd love to know which one.

we stayed in the travelodge, and was ok because you are out all day and only sleeping there

*manda*

What about somewhere for a decent steak or something gamey? Have had a look on tripadvisors restaurants and a lot of the higher ranked ones are either pricey or a little too far out- but a decent steak meal would be perfect for him. Don't really want to be paying more than £15ish for a main though as a rough guide, as we'd need drinks and probably another course at least and £60 for the 2 of us for a meal has got to be about our max really. The rest of the meals can be cheaper but want something a little more special for sat evening?

GillianY1

Not too sure where to get a decent steak cause I never really order it when I am out. You could try the Buffalo Grill or the Smoke Stack. The Basement is also really nice and I am sure it sells steak. Howies is another central restaurant that is nice and not too expensive as its BYOB. All restaurants have menus online.

Birdy12

...can you tell me where it stops in the city centre? The hotel we will be staying at is a stones throw from Waverley station.

Cheers, Birdy

2010

*manda* wrote: »

Thanks- the bus tours actually aren't as expensive as I thought- only £12 each so we may well do that.

Forget about the bus tour and go on this completely FREE guided tour which takes around 3 hours.
Really interesting and great information about "auld reekie".
They meet on the Royal Mile, outside Starbucks at 11am and 1pm.
I preferred the early one so the rest of the day is free.

Check it out here.
http://www.newedinburghtours.com/daily-tours/new-edinburgh-free-tour.html

BTW you can just turn up, no need to book.

podperson

The open top buses are quite good - though watch if it's a windy day as it often is here Cockburn Street has some quite quirky little shops (and just up from the station so very close to you). The walk down the Mile is quite nice if the weather isn't too bad, can see the castle and the palace, lots of traditional style shops and historic buildings.
Obviously you don't have a great deal of time but Botanics are lovely if the weather is nice (the main part is free, just a charge for the hot houses), the castle is worth a visit once but must admit think it's rather overpriced so you think you might be rushed looking round would probably save for another time, the museums on Chambers Street are worth a look, especially if you need to get out of bad weather, and are free.

Airport transport - the airport shuttle is £6 or can get a regular Lothian bus for £1.30 flat fare (though is going up to £1.40 next month). The 35 is good as it has big luggage racks at the front, but they do take a longer route and all the stops so depends if you want the extra hassle to save a few quid.

Foodwise, the Auld Hundred on Rose Street is quite nice, quite traditional food so things like haggis, steaks etc but not too expensive (it has a pub downstairs but the restaurant bit is upstairs). Rose Street and the Grassmarket are quite nice for pubs, lots of choice and some quirky ones. If you have time the ghost tours are quite fun as well.

Hope you enjoy it

uncommonadvice

Get yourself down to the Pubic Triangle. Fun all year round at the Western and the Burke & Hare.

xxlaurissaxx

Op if you look at Nicolsons Pubs on Facebook, there is a voucher for a pub meal and J20 for £4.95. Its looks lovely and they have some nice pubs in Edinburgh doing the offer.

Theres - Deacon Brodies on The Royal Mile
Mitre Bar on the Royal Mile
The Conan Doyle across from the playhouse
Greyfriars Bobby bar just up from the Grassmarket
The Last Drop on the Grassmarket
The Kenilworth on Rose Street (just behind Princes Street)
and the Haymarket which is in Haymarket

Hope you have fun! Its 13oC up here but it is windy.

pogofish

Birdy12 wrote: »

...can you tell me where it stops in the city centre? The hotel we will be staying at is a stones throw from Waverley station.

Cheers, Birdy

It stops right outside Waverly.

nickyhutch

You must do a free walking tour - about 3 hours, and genuinely free if you don't want to pay. Really informative and entertaining - http://www.newedinburghtours.com/

And pop in the Halfway House on Fleshmarket Close for a tipple.